Last



13%.27, 1927. 1,653,965 J. W. MAY

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Filed June 10.- 1922 2 Sheets-Sheat lv invenlon J. N. MAY

LAST

Filed June 10, 1322 2 Shcets-Sheet 2 lnvenfor. Jnhn W. may

A TTys.

Patented Dec. 27, 1927.

UNITED STATES JOHN WALTER MAY, .01? CAMBRIDGE..MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOB,;BY DIRECT AND MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO MAY UNIVERSALLAST CORPORATION.. OF BOSTON, MAS- SACHUSETTS, A CORPORATION OFlYIASSACI'IUSETTS.

LAsr.

Application filed June 10, 1922. Serial No. 567,341.

This invention relates to sectional lasts of that type which comprise a tore part and a heel part connected together. to move toward and from each other for the purpose of shortening or expanding the last, an interllltfllflte part situated between the fore part two parts of the last in proper relative position as the last is expanded or contracted and which will also withstand any strain to which the last issubje'cted when in use.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved form of lock for locking the intermediate part in its operative position which will also withstand any strain to i which the last may be subjected when in use.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved means for supporting the last while in use and otherwise to improve lasts of this character all as will be more fully hereinafter setforth.

In order to give an understanding of the invention T have illustrated in the drawings a selected embodiment thereof which will now he describedafter which the novel. tea tures will he pointed out in the appended claims.

Figs. 1 and 2 are sectional viewsof a last embodying my invention, Fi l showing the last lengthened and Fig. 2 showing the last shortened.

Fig. 3 is a section through the connecting member on the line 33, 1.

Fig. 4 is a section on the line 44, Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a view/showing the position of the last in use and illustrating; the means for supportmg the intermedlate section of tional last and comprises the fore part 1, the heel part 2 and the intermediate part3. In making the last the last block is divided along the lines 4; and 5 so that the intermediatepart 3 is wedge-shaped as shown. The tore part and heel part are connected a telescopic connection which permits them to move toward and from each otherall as described in my above-mentioned patent.

When the intermediate part is in itsoperative position shown in Fig. 1 the last is extended while when the intermediate part is movedtransversely into the position shown in Fig. 2 the last may be shortened by a. relative movement of the fore part and heel part toward each other.

One feature of my present invention relates to the construction of the telescopic con nection between the fore part and the heel part. This comprises one member 6'which is anchored in the fore part, another member 7 anchored in the heel part. The member 6 has an anchoring: portion 8 which occupies a slot formed in the rear face of the fore part 1 and which is retained in said fore part by means otpins 9 that are driven trans verselv through the last and through the anchoring portion 8. This member 6 is also provided with a rearwardly-extending arm 10 which has a telescopic relation with a portion of the connecting member 7. The member 7 is also formed with the'anchoring portion 11 which occupies a slot in the front face of the heel part 2 and is retained therein by pins 12 driven transverselythrough the heel part and said portion 7. This portion Y is also ir'ormed with the forwardly-extending arm 13 which is tubular in shape and which receives the arm 10. the latter telescoping into the tubular arm 13.

The arm 10 is provided with a pin 14. extending; transversely therethrough, the ends of which operate in slots 15 formed in the side walls of thetubular arm 13, said pin and slot serving to limit the telescopic movement of the connection. y

The intermediate part 3 isprovided with a slot or opening 16 extending from the front to therear thereofin which the telescoping arms 10 and 13 are received, said slot hav- 1 ing 'a vertical dimension considerably greater than that of thetelescoplng arms so as to permlt the intermediate member 3 to move from its operative position shown in Fig. l to that shownin Fig. )2.

The dimensions of the arms 10 and 13 are considerably greater in a vertical direction than in atransverse direction and by means of this construction a telescopic connection provided which will maintain the fore part and heel part firmly in true relation to each other in all relative positions thereof. Furthermore the manner of constructing" the members 6 and 7 and anchoring them inthe last is such that they will withstand a uy to vere strain to which the last is subjected in use. V 3 t r A look is provided for locking the intermediate partin its operative position as seen in *Fig. 1, said lock being similar to that shown in my above-mentioned patent. This Tlock comprises a latch 17 carried by the intermediate part 3and acted on by a spring 18 tending to throw it forwardly, and a keeper 19 set intoa recess in the face of the heel part ,2 and having an aperture 20 to receive the end 21 of the latch, The heel part is shown-as provided with a latch-releasing plug 22 operable in a recess 23 formed in the heel part and adapted when moved to the left in Fig. ;1 to engage the latch and release it from the keeper 19. This latch-releasing member 22 can be actuated through an opening;- 24 in the wall of the usualthimble 25 that is located in the heel part5 all as described in my hove-mentioned patent; Whna last of this type is being used, es pecially in the sole-levellingprocess of manufacturing the shoe, there is heavy pressure applied tothe sole of the last and in order to provide a lock which will Withstand any such pressure.

I propose to anchor the keeper 19 to the connecting means by which the fore part and heel part are connected. In the present embodlment of the invention this-1s acconi- .phshed by forming the keeperwith an opening26 through which the tubular arm 13 extends, and with this construction any strain on the keeper due to pressure on the bottom of the intermediate section otythe last will be transmitted directly to the connecting members 6, 7 which are firmlyanchored in the fore part and heelpart. \V-ith this construetion, therefore; there will be no danger that any pressure on the bottom of the intermediate part will loosenthe keeper from the heel. The connecting member 7 isshown as having a notch 27 inwhich the lower edge of the keeper is received;

: In order to still further stifien'the last when it is in its operative or lengthened 'condition I have made theconnecting member 6 with the extension 28which operates in the slot, 16 of the intermediatepart and which has a recess 29 adapted to receive a pin 30 anchored in the intermediate part when the latter is in its operative position as shown in {point 36 of the intermediate part.

engages the intermediate part Fig.1. This pin 30 and the extension 28 cooperate to prevent the intermediate part and the fore part from separating at the top of the last. hen the last is in use the heavy pressure on the bottom of the last has a tend ency toseparate the intermediate part and fore part at the instep portion of the last but such tendency is conteracted by the engage ment of the pin 30 in the extension p In using a lasto't this type during the solelevelling operation it is desirable to 'u'ovide means for furnishing a support to [he iuteu mediate part 3 as Well as to the heel part In Figs. 5, 6 and 7 I have shown how this may be done. In Fin. 5. 1-0 indicates a portion of the jack on Whichthe last is sustained and 31is the last pin adapted to enter the thimble 25. j j i The proper support tor the iutermmliato part is 'lurnished by a supporting; member 32 which has a slot -ilto receive the last pin 2:31 and which has a flat face 3 L on which the heel part 2 rests. This supportingmember 32 is of a dimension to extend underneath the in termediate part and it also provided with a recess 35 oii a shape to receive the The re cessed end of this supporting IDQInlJQl which 3 supported directly on the jack 41) andfor this purpose -it is formed with an inclined extension 37 llindicates a toe pad to support the toe o t ll It] the last.- In using this suj' portin;: member 32 it Will be placed over the last pin before the last is applied thereto and when. the screw 38is properly adjusted the intermediate part 3 ivillhave a solid support in the reccss 35. When this supporting; memlaer used the severe strain to which the last is subjected during the sole-levelling or other similar operations will be taken by the sup porting member 32 and t 'ansmitted direct to ill the jack thus relieving the telescopic conneetion and look from such strain;

I claim: 1 a

1. A last comprising a tore part and a heel part connected to be moved relatively toward and from each other thereby "to a shorten or extend the last means for connecting said parts to permit such movemcnh and a lock for locking the last in extended condition, said lock including a latch and a keeper with which the latch eta-operates and which is anchored to the connecting;

means. a I j a a 2. A lastcomprising a :l'ore part. a heel part, a wedge-shaped intermediate part movable transversely of the last, connecting means between the fore part and heel part which permits them to move toward and from each other as the intermediate part moves transversely, a latch carried by the intermediate part, and a keeper for the latch carried by the heel part and anchored to the connecting means.

8. A last comprising a tore part, a heel part, an intermediate part capable of movement transversely of the last, a telescopic connection between the time part and heel part which permits them to move relatively toward and from each other as the intermediate part moves transversely, a. spring pressed latch carried by the intermediate part, and a keeper for the latch carried by the heel part and anchored to the telescopic connection. p

4:- A last comprising a fore part, a heel part, an intermediate part movable transversely of the last, a telescopic connection between the fore part and heel part, said connect-ion comprising a tubular member an chored in one part and a complemental member anchored in the other part and having a tongue sliding in the tubular mem her, and a lock for locking the last in extended condition, said lock being so con structed as to transmit the strain to which it is subjected to the said connection.

5. A last comprising a fore part,.a heel part, a telescopic connection between said parts which permlts them to move toward and from each other in the direction of the length of the last, movable means situated between said last parts to hold them in their extended position. said connection compris- 1119; a member anchored in one part and having, an arm, and another member anchored in the other part and having a tubular arm into which the first-named arm telescopes, said arms having co-operating means limiting their telescoping movement in one direction and a lock to hold the last in eX- tended position, said lock comprising a member carried by said movable means.

.6. A last comprising afore part, a heel part,a telescopic connection between said parts which permits them to move toward;

and from each other in the direct-ion of the length of the last, and movable means situated between said last parts to hold them in their extended position, said connection comprising a member anchored in one part and having an arm, and another member an chored in the other partand having a tubu lar arm into which the first-named arm telescopes, said arms both havinga greater dimension in a direction vertically of. the last than horizontally of the last, said tubular arm having a slot and the other arm having a projection operating in said slot.

7. A last comprising a fore part, a heel part, a wedge-shaped intermediate member capable of movingtransversely of the last, a telescopic connection bet-ween the fore part and heel part, said connection comprising two members one of which is anchored in one of said parts and is provided with an arm rectangular in cross sect-ion with the longer diameter extending at right angles to the bottom of the last, said arm having a lateral projection, and the other of which members has a tubular portion in which the arm telescopes and which has a shape to [it the arm, said tubular portion having a slot to receive said projection.

8. A last comprising a fore part, a heel part, a connection between said parts which permits them to move toward and from each other without changing their angular rela tion, movable means situated between said part, a connection between said partswhich permits them to move toward and from each other Without changing their angular relation, movable means situated between said parts to hold them in their extended position, said connection comprising a member having an anchoring portion set into a groove in the rear face of the fore part and also having a rearwardly-extending arm,

and a co-operatihg slotted tubular member anchored to the heel part and having a telescopic relation with said arm, the latter hav "ing a projection operating in the slot of the tubular member.

a 10. A last comprising a fore part, a heel part, a wedge-shaped intermediate member movable transversely of the last, a connection between the fore part and heel part which permits them to, move toward and from each other without changing their an gular relation, said connection comprising two members each having an anchoring portion set into and anchored in a groove in one of the last parts, one of the members having a tubular arm extending toward the other member and the other member having an arm telescoping in the tubular arm, the dimension of each anchoring portion in a direction vertically of the last being greater than the corresponding dimension of the tubular arm, and means to limit the telescoping movement of said arms.

11. A last comprising a fore part, a heel part, a wedge-shaped intermediate member capable of movement transversely of the last,

aeonnection between said fore part and heel I part, a Wedge-shaped intermediate member part which permits them to move toward and from each other, said connection comprising a member anchored inthe tore part and having a rearwarally-extending arn'n anothermemberanchored in the heel part and having a forwardly-extending tubular; arm into which the first-named arm telescopes, the member anchored in the fore part hav ing alnoteh, and a pincarried by the intermediate part to engage said notch when the lastis in extended position.

12. A last comprising a fore part and a heel part connectcdto be moved relatii 'ely tovard and from each other thereby to shorten and to expand the lastfa Wedgeshaped intermediate part situated between the fore part and heelpart and movable transversely oi the last,aneans lJOlOClfC the intermediatepart to the heel part, and other means for connecting the nifterniedlatej part to the tore part whenthe last is lengthened thereby toprm ent separation of said parts at the instep ot the his in a dnectionlongitnthnhllyof the last. a

13. A last com )rifn a tore iafrt and a t heel part connected to be moved relatively tome-d and. from each other thereby to shorten and to expand the "last, a'n'edgeshaped intermedlate part situated between a the fore part and heel part and movable transversely oi the last, meansto lock the intermediate part to the heel part, and other means adjacent the instep portion ot the last fiawconnecting thetore part to the intermediate part when the intermediatepart is in operativeposition with the last length ened, said means operatingto' prevent the i ore part and intermediate part from separating in the direction of the length-of the last. i 14. A last con'iprising a tore part, a heel part, a wedge-shaped intermediate part lilOVtllJlG transverselyof the last, connecting 111621118 between the fore part and heel part which permits them to move toward and from each other as the intermediate part mores transversely, hook rigid Withthe i'ore part anda pin carried by the interme-t diate part and adapted to engage said hook when said intermediate part is inits op'er at i re position.

15. A last comprising a fore part, a heel movable transversely of the last and a telescopic connection betweenthe t'orepart and heel part, said connection OOIl'lPliISlIlfijllWO members, one of said members having an anchoring portion anchored in one oi said 16. A, last con'iprlsing a tore part, a heel par-12 a wedgeshaped intern'iedlate member movable transversely of the last and a tele- SUUPIU'CODITGClJlOD betwcenthe tore part and heel. part, said connection con'iprising two members, one of said members having an anchoring portion extending vertically oi the last and anchored in one (JfSttld parts and also having an arm extending longitudinally of the last, andthe other oi said members having an anchoring portion also extending vertically of the last and secured to the other last 1n1a't=,'saitl other member having a tubular portion extending longitudinally otlhe last and into which the arm telescopes, the dimension of each of said anchoring portions in a direction"vertically of the last being greater than the corre spendingdimension of said tubular portion.

17. A last comprising a fore part, a heel part, a Wedgeshaped intermediate rnembcru capable of moving transversely of the last, a telescopic connection between the fore part and heel part, said connection comprising two members, one of whichhas an anchor ing portion extending vertically of the last ,and anchored in one of said parts and provided with a tubular portion and the other of which is in the form of an arm anchored in the other part of the last and telescoping in said tubular portion, the dimension of saidanchoring portionin a direction vertical of thelast being greater than the corresponding dimension of the tubular portion.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

JOHN WALTER MAY. 

